Tributes to Irthlingborough animal shelter volunteer who died after contracting killer bug

Stephanie Weaver

Tributes have been paid to an animal shelter volunteer who contracted and died from a bacterial infection.

The Northamptonshire Telegraph reported yesterday that an investigation had been launched after an animal shelter volunteer contracted and died from a bacterial infection.

Public Health England is investigating after a case of leptospirosis, a type of bacterial infection spread by animals, in Northamptonshire was reported to them.

A volunteer from Nanna (Northamptonshire Animals in Need of Nurturing and Adoption) in Irthlingborough, who also attended Moulton College, contracted the disease and has since died.

A statement released today (Thursday) on behalf of Nanna said: “We have been made aware of the tragic death of one of our long-term volunteers.

“His death has come as a shock to all of his friends here at Nanna and we have been offering our assistance to East Northamptonshire Council who are investigating the circumstances.

“It is understood that this investigation is looking at a number of potential theories as to how he may have become ill.

“However, given that there is an ongoing regulatory investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment in more detail at this stage.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

A statement has also been released by Moulton College.

Stephen Davies, principal of Moulton College, said: “We are all deeply saddened and upset by the sudden death of our student.

“He was a first year who quickly settled into his studies and was a well-liked and popular student.

“Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand an investigation has been launched by Public Health England at Nanna where our student volunteered and that as a result public access to Nanna has been restricted.

“Moulton College will continue to ensure that our health and safety practices are of the highest standard.”

Moulton College is an established centre of excellence for education and training, providing opportunities in animal, equine, land-based, construction and sports studies.

Moulton College teaches vocational skills from four key campuses across Northamptonshire and trains about 5,700 students studying further education courses, university-level degrees, Masters, PhDs and apprenticeships each year.